Fake proof of address documents are problematic to deal with, and individuals creating fake proof of address papers are generally committing a crime. It’s important to understand what to look out for if you need to review proof of address documents to protect yourself from fraud.

Our article gives you more information about fake proof of address documents.

Why Would I Need a Proof of Address?

Proof of address documents are requested for several different reasons, including the following:

• Bank account opening
• Online payments
• Government service access
• Certain travel bookings
• Loan applications

Every request for a proof of address document is different, however, and you should always check with the person requesting if you are concerned or confused about why they would need to review this information.

What Documents Count as Proof of Address?

Several different documents may count as proof of address documents. We list the most common proof of address documents below:

• Utility bills
• Bank statements
• Insurance policies
• Lease or mortgage documents
• Pay stubs
• Tax documents
• Driver’s license
• Car registration documents

You may need one or more of the above documents to provide proof of address; double-check which documents are acceptable proof of address for the requester.

Is It Illegal to Falsify Proof of Address?

It is illegal to falsify proof of address documents, as this is considered fraud in many states. The main reason that proof of address documents tend to be falsified is to access government services, open bank accounts, and request money from various lenders.

If this is done with a fake proof of address, the individual receiving the money or services is not being honest about where they live, and they may be engaged in identity theft, along with other fraudulent crimes.

Signs of a Fake Proof of Address

If you suspect you are dealing with a fake proof of address document, there are a few different signs you can look out for. We give you an overview of the most common signs of a fraudulent document below:

• Logos on the documents appear poor quality or distorted
• The document has strange formatting, or text appears in different colors
• The language of the document is strangely worded or references a different individual
• You are given screenshots and close-cropped images of the document instead of the original or a good-quality photocopy
• The document is very old or outdated
• Data and information in the document are mismatched

If you do notice one or more of these signs, you may need to speak to the person who provided you with the fake proof of address documents. Depending on the situation, you may need to simply deny the person whatever they have applied for, or you may need to get local law enforcement involved.

You can also use a reverse address lookup to find out information about who currently lives at an address if you’re suspicious about someone’s proof of address documents.

How Is Proof of Address Verified?

Proof of address documents can be verified with background checks and tenant screening reports, though the majority of states require that you give your consent for these reports to be reviewed. In general, the person asking for your proof of address documents will compare them to your background check or tenant screening report.

If a background check report or tenant screening report is not applicable, the person asking for your proof of address documents may simply review them to ensure they look real and that they are accurate. It is also becoming more popular to utilize AI-powered tools to review proof of address documents and verify their legitimacy, but this software is still far from widespread and completely reliable.

Can Digital Documents Be Accepted as Proof of Address?

In today’s age, plenty of documents that are seen as official and used regularly are, in fact, digital documents. Many businesses, lenders, and other individuals will accept digital documents as proof of address documents, though there may be some restrictions that you must follow.

It’s important to check with the person asking for your proof of address documents to verify how digital documents need to be received and what is acceptable for a digital document.

Protecting Yourself From Fraud

Fake proof of address can significantly impact a number of things, such as bank account details, government services, and even travel plans. Individuals who choose to fake their proof of address documents may be attempting to scam you, or they may not be honest about their position in life.

Use the tips in our article to properly screen proof of address documents and protect yourself from potential fraud and scams.